Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch leaves Rafael van der Vaart speechless after Netherlands win vs Germany

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Ryan Gravenberch has been Liverpool’s surprise package this season, and the midfielder is now starting to find his feet on the international stage.

The midfielder was named in Ronald Koeman’s starting XI to take on the Netherlands rivals Germany in the headline UEFA Nations League tie from last night, with Gravenberch joined by Liverpool teammates Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo.

With the game ending 2-2, it was an entertaining contest between the two sides as Gravenberch enjoyed another fantastic game for Holland, with the Liverpool midfielder assisting Tijani Reijnders for the opening goal just two minutes in.

And Rafael van der Vaart was left in awe by one moment from Gravenberch.

Gravenberch praised for pulling off ‘the most difficult ball in football’

Speaking to Voetbal International, the former Tottenham playmaker hailed Gravenberch for one pass the Liverpool midfielder made to Xavi Simons, with Van der Vaart labelling it as ‘the most difficult ball in football.’

Operating in a double pivot for the Netherlands, Gravenberch was in inspiring form for his nation against Germany, with the Liverpool man controlling the show from midfield and giving the hosts a certain energy that had been lacking in recent games.

And Van der Vaart loved what he saw from Gravenberch, with the pundit praising the Liverpool man to heaven and back and giving the youngster flowers he deserved on a night to remember for the young midfielder.

Van der Vaart said on Gravenberch’s performance for the Netherlands: “He was the star player. When he gave that ball to Xavi Simons, I wanted to go home with that pass, it doesn’t get any better. This is the most difficult ball in football, it was perfectly tailored.”

Gravenberch is now back to his best at long last

Gravenberch’s last two years have been all about trying to recapture the form that made the midfielder once one of the most exciting prospects in Europe after his breakout year with Ajax.

And this season, we finally have Gravenberch back to his best, with the midfielder unlocked at long last at Liverpool under Arne Slot in the no. 6 role with the 22-year-old now starring for his country against a huge rival in Germany.

Indeed, it’s been a long road back to the top for Gravenberch, yet the midfielder is now starting to show why he is as promising as he is for club and country, with Van der Vaart’s praise more than warranted.